Governor Fallin

In Tulsa today, Governor Mary Fallin clarifies her position on a call for a study on possibly legalizing cannabis oil for medicinal purposes. Research shows it can be effective for treating some children who suffer seizures and strokes. She says it does NOT mean she is for legalizing medicinal marijuana.

She says she is just asking for a legislative study on the possible use of non-intoxicating cannabis oil for medical purposes and a recommendation from lawmakers.

On May 23rd, the Oklahoma State Legislature approved HB 3399, a bill which would, if it became law, withdraw this state from the Common Core State Standards initiative. This bill is now on Gov. Mary Fallin's desk, awaiting her decision; the Governor has until June 7th to sign the bill into law, or veto it, or do nothing (in which case the bill will not take effect).

LUTHER, Okla. (AP) — Firefighters in Oklahoma have under control a wildfire that's suspected to be the work of arsonists. The fire near Luther burned dozens of homes and forced evacuations Friday. Gov. Mary Fallin toured the community Saturday morning, saying the fire and damage are "heartbreaking." Officials estimate 56 homes and other buildings have been damaged by the blaze. Oklahoma County Sheriff's spokesman Mark Myers says deputies are searching for the driver of a black Ford pickup that witnesses reported seeing tossing a lit newspaper out of the vehicle about 4 p.m. Friday.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Mary Fallin has vetoed a bill that would have given the director of the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation more power to set his top executives' salaries.

The bill that passed in the waning days of the legislative session also would have removed the salary caps for director salaries at the Board of Dentistry, Board of Nursing, Teachers' Retirement System and State Banking Department.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Despite having strong GOP majorities backing her up in the House and Senate, Governor Mary Fallin ended this year's legislative session without the income tax cut she has championed.

Fallin entered the session with an ambitious plan to deeply slash the state's income tax.

However, Republicans in the Legislature started chipping away at the plan, first by balking at eliminating the numerous deductions and exemptions that were to be used to help offset the cost of the plan.

Some even began to wonder aloud if the time was right to cut taxes at all.